‘Peaky Blinders’ star Paul Anderson assuages fans’ concerns as he reveals reason behind shaby appearance

LONDON, ENGLAND: 'Peaky Blinders' actor Paul Anderson responded to fans' concerns over his altered appearance on Instagram on Tuesday, February 27, one week after he was spotted looking disheveled.

Earlier this month, the actor, best known for his role as Arthur Shelby Jr in the BBC drama, was spotted leaving a north London bakery looking sick.

Social media users were swift to comment on his appearance, but the 46-year-old has since replied, informing followers that he was unwell at the time.

Paul Anderson responds to fans' concerns over his appearance

The 'Peaky Blinders' actor posted a photo of himself on the set of an unidentified picture shoot in Soho, London, captioning it, "Back to business and back on set today."

"Thank you for all your love and concern to everyone. I was and have been absolutely flattened by the flu. #nofilter" Paul added in the Instagram Stories.

Later, Paul posted a second selfie to his grid with a peace sign and the message: "Feeling blessed and back to business!"

"Just wrapped my final commitments of an opus I’m truly grateful to have been able to showcase a character that I have the utmost faith will send shockwaves when this series drops!#TheGrayHouse"

"I also want to take time to thank each and every one of you all over the world for all the messages of love and support, I see you and appreciate it humbly and sincerely."

"Always remember nobody cares about the truth when the lie is way more entertaining than the truth. I am back don’t you worry about that. Boycey #NOFILTER" Paul concluded the post.

Paul—who recently appeared in the Netflix thriller 'Lift'—was supposed to have a major role in the upcoming 'Peaky Blinders' movie, which is slated to commence shooting this summer.

Paul Anderson appeared shabby one month after admitting to crack cocaine possession

Paul was spotted earlier getting lunch at a nearby bakery while wrapped up in a fleece and leopard print hoodie, matching slacks, and sneakers.

The actor gave out a whole different vibe during his outing than usual; he appeared unwell, depressed, and pale-faced.

The outing followed after Paul spent Boxing Day in London at the bar, where he later pled guilty to possession of crack cocaine and amphetamines. Police seized the Class A drug and the smoking pipe from the TV celebrity while he was with a friend and a baby, per Daily Mail.

Paul acknowledged possessing it when he appeared in court in January 2024, along with two class C prescription drugs and class B amphetamines.

Paul was apprehended when a patron at his favorite bar in Hampstead, northwest London, reported to the manager that, following the actor's exit, he could smell crack cocaine odors emanating from the disabled restroom.

Following a call from the pub's manager to the police, 'intoxicated' Paul was discovered in the vicinity together with a young man and a 17-month-old child, per testimony given at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutor Kevin Kendridge stated that once he was brought to a police station, investigators discovered crack cocaine, a wrap of brown powder that turned out to be amphetamines, as well as diazepam and pregabalin.

Paul replied "no comment" to every question throughout the investigation, but the court was informed that he later tested positive for cocaine and opiates, not crack cocaine.

During the court, the actor—who co-starred with Tom Hardy in the 2015 Kray brothers drama 'Legend'—pleaded guilty to the four drug-related counts and was fined £1,345 last month after appearing at Highbury Corner magistrates court, per The Sun.

The defense attorney Moira MacFarlane claimed that when Paul was recognized by 'Peaky Blinders' viewers, he could not help but adopt his onscreen character of pugilistic hellraiser Arthur, who is regularly spotted using narcotics in the show.